Late decider in Brussels

France secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Monday evening in UEFA Nations League Group A1. With captain Kylian Mbappe absent from the squad, substitute Michael Olise scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute following a surging run that began midway inside the Belgian half after a pass from Rayan Cherki. Winger Desire Doue troubled the Belgian defence throughout the match, striking the woodwork twice. Belgium, coached by Mark van Bommel, created several opportunities through winger Mika Godts, but attackers Charles De Ketelaere and Diego Moreira struggled to convert in the absence of Romelu Lukaku. Belgian defender Brandon Mechele remarked after the final whistle that a draw would have been a fairer reflection of the match.

Zidane's rotation and tactical approach

The result marked a second consecutive win for Zinedine Zidane in his new role as France head coach, following an opening 1-0 win against Turkey in Izmit. Zidane made nine changes to his starting eleven, handing opportunities to players such as Lucas da Cunha, Jeremy Jacquet, Andy Diouf, Esteban Lepaul, and Maxence Lacroix, five of whom had three senior caps or fewer. France controlled large phases of the match, recording ball possession sequences that reached nearly 75%. Second-half substitutions including Ousmane Dembele, Cherki, and Olise turned the match in France's favour. Olise's late strike prompted animated touchline celebrations from Zidane, who sprinted along the technical area and kicked a loose ball near the bench.

“I believe in my players. My group is very strong and works very hard. I have high-quality players. That is why I was able to make nine changes to my team.”

Debutant Lucas da Cunha noted that Zidane instructed him to express himself just as he does at club level, adding that the squad felt relief following the late winner. Zidane stated that managing four games across the international window necessitated squad rotation, emphasizing that the team's objective remains controlling possession rather than chasing the ball.

“It is a pity, especially because the goal came so late. We created chances ourselves, looked dangerous, and gave very little away. A draw would have been a fairer result.”

Italy responds with four goals in Bursa

In the group's other match, Italy responded to their opening 2-0 home defeat against Belgium by securing a 4-1 away victory over Turkey in Bursa. Roberto Mancini's side dominated the first half in heavy rain, creating ten attempts before the interval. Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the ninth minute from a corner kick. In the 22nd minute, Davide Frattesi scored on a rebound after Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir parried a shot from Michael Kayode. Kayode then scored on his senior international debut five minutes later with a low effort to give Italy a 3-0 advantage.

Turkey made three substitutions at halftime and pulled a goal back through Baris Alper Yilmaz. Italy restored their three-goal lead in the 50th minute when forward Pio Esposito headed home a fourth goal. Mancini commended his team's high pressing and ball retention following the match. Italy next travel to Paris on Friday to face France at the Stade de France.